In this chapter, Yugi's name will be 'Heba,' simply because it is the fanon name for Yugi's Egyptian counterpart. Also, it would be strange for an Egyptian to have a Japanese name.
Enjoy the first chapter of 'Second Chances.'
Egypt, 1000 B.C.
Ra shone high in the sky, his rays of light drawing prickles of sweat to Heba's skin as he rode on his horse. It was a peaceful day in the beautiful land of Egypt, where Pharaoh Atem ruled and Heba stood by his side as the head guard.
A smile came to Heba's face as he watched the back of his country's ruler. Atem was a kind Pharaoh, so different than his predecessors. He ruled with a sense of justice and mercy, a fact that Heba loved very much about him.
As well as being his Pharaoh's primary protector, he was also his best friend. They had grown up together, trained together until the age of eight when Atem needed to learn of his roles as Pharaoh. That was when Heba started his training to follow in his father's footsteps to become the Pharaoh's personal bodyguard. Young Heba had rejoiced at the thought, being at his best friend's side was enough to get him to do anything. The fact that he was protecting Atem was only an additional incentive.
"Heba!" The teen was broken out of his daze by the source of his thoughts. Atem had turned towards him, crimson colored eyes curiously scanning his form. Heba blamed the flush on his cheeks on the heat.
The bodyguard gave Atem a sheepish smile and a bow of the head as an apology. "Sorry my Pharaoh, I was merely lost in thought. Ra has bestowed upon us a beautiful day and it is easy to lose oneself to their thoughts." He explained, his eyes scanning over the desert sand before returning to a now smiling Atem. The sight of that smile always sent Heba's heart racing with emotion he shouldn't have for the Pharaoh, best friend or not.
Atem's horse strode forward, stopping when they were side by side and Heba could smell the Pharaoh's signature scent of cinnamon, coriander, and the musk of sweat that resulted from the desert sun. The scent never failed to calm Heba, nor did it fail to wrap a haze of lust around his mind. The Pharaoh was truly intoxicating.
A baritone chuckle broke him from his thoughts and once again he flushed. "You left me again, Heba. How are you to protect me when your head is dancing with Neuth in the clouds?" Amusement swirled in those hypnotic red eyes and Heba momentarily forgot how to form words. He really needed to get over his infatuation with the Pharaoh.
"You know as well as I do that when the time comes to protect, I am always at your side ready to defend. Besides, thinking is not as bad as you say." The guard shot Atem a playful smirk. "Some people are actually praised for using their brains." He teased.
Crimson eyes narrowed dangerously and if Heba had not grown up at the Pharaoh's side, he would've worried for his life. A stranger would have seen anger in those fiery eyes, but Heba saw the flicker of humor that soothed his initial worries.
"You dare insinuate that your Pharaoh does not use his brain?" Atem's rich voice sent shivers down Heba's spine in the form of heated arousal. He could make armies fall with that voice.
Heba wet his lips with his pink tongue, the action caught by the Pharaoh's eyes. The bodyguard flushed under the scrutiny and watched the Pharaoh's eyes darken. Looks like those only fed the fire in Heba's loins that burned for Atem.
Rose petal lips curled into a challenging grin, the sight instantly capturing the Pharaoh's interest."I insinuate nothing to my Pharaoh, to my best friend however, I may have hinted something. I suppose you'll have to best me in a race to make me talk!" With that Heba's horse shot off, leaving his Pharaoh in the dust.
A shout of protest left the Pharaoh and not seconds later did he take off in pursuit of his best friend. The thrill of a challenge coursed through his veins as he was chased after by the taller teen, the two of them riding back to the castle as the stables were an unspoken finish line.
It was their daily routine after all, one that Heba cherished and insisted upon keeping. Every morning the two would take a private ride through the palace grounds, occasionally slipping off grounds when they felt like extending their time together. It was their time to leave their titles behind and act like the children they had been before they were thrown into the roles of Pharaoh and the personal bodyguard.
Adrenaline coursed through Heba's veins and he urged his horse faster when he saw his Pharaoh coming up on his side. He flashed a wide smile at the ruler of Egypt, his excitement increasing when his smile was returned by a toothy grin.
Too soon the teens reached the stables, Atem somehow reaching the entrance seconds before Heba. The Pharaoh was always better at racing, but not by much. The two were evenly matched in their love of games and challenges, another reason why Heba loved having Atem as a best friend. Atem was the only one who truly gave Heba a challenge.
The two dismounted and Atem turned to Heba with a victorious smirk that made his heart skip a beat. "It seems I have bested you in a race, my friend. Now what were you saying about me not using my brain?" Heba's knees nearly buckled at the low purr of his best friend's voice. It wasn't fair, the man had such an influence on him that Heba would praise the Gods day and night for bestowing upon him such a magnificent specimen.
Actually, he did do that already. Not that he would admit to it.
Heba shook his head to clear himself of his thoughts. "I know not what you mean, my Pharaoh. Perhaps the sun tricked you into believing I said that." Of course both of them knew it was a lie, a poorly told one if Heba's charming little smile had anything to say about it.
"I think you want to distract me from asking what had you so preoccupied on our ride." Warning bells chimed in Heba's mind as Atem stalked closer, looking every bit like a panther ready to lunge for his prey. The smaller teen tried to take a step back but failed, his back hitting the stone wall and leaving him helpless to watch as the Pharaoh closed the distance between them.
Atem's addicting scent assaulted his senses, almost dizzying him because he was so close. Amethyst eyes peered up into crimson, wonder and lust swirling in their depths. I wonder if he can see the effect he has on me. He merely steps within my personal space and I am ready to present myself to him like the women in his harem.
"Heba… what is it that leads your mind astray? Will you not share your thoughts with me?" Heba jumped in surprise when his cheek was caressed with a warm hand, the touch so full of affection that it made his breath shaky as he exhaled.
Heba stared at his best friend in awe, taken aback by the raw emotion in Atem's eyes. Never had Atem touched him like this, with such an intimate innocence that made Heba feel like the most precious gem. They had never been this close either, not since they were children that wrestled together in the mud.
How could he possibly tell Atem that he was the star of his dreams when he was both awake and asleep? The idea of being shunned by his lifelong friend made nausea curl in his stomach. Heba was scared, scared of losing his best friend. Yet logically he knew that even if Atem didn't feel the same way the man would never disgrace him in such a way.
No better time like the present I suppose.
Heba took a deep breath to explain himself, but then paused just as he opened his mouth to speak. He couldn't find the right words to say, no words could possibly portray how strongly he felt for his Pharaoh. So he did something else instead.
He leaned up on the tip of his toes and kissed the Pharaoh.
A deafening silence and uncomfortable stillness made Heba ache with worry. This was a horrible idea. What were you thinking Heba? Now you've ruined everything you've ever had-
Oh.
Heba's eyes closed as tan arms slid around his slim waist, pulling his body against a solid muscled chest. Soft lips moved against his own in a kiss that was rough yet gentle, like Atem was trying to devour him and savor the taste of his lips at the same time.
A small moan left Heba and he wrapped his arms around Atem's neck, keeping him close so he would never have to stop kissing him. It was better than any dream he had dreamt during the nights when he yearned for the embrace of his Pharaoh.
His skin burned where Atem touched him, leaving him wondering how he would feel if the king's hands strayed to other parts of his body. He let out a squeak at the thought and pulled away from the kiss to breathe and calm his racing heart.
"You have no idea… how long I have waited to do that." Atem spoke through ragged breaths. Heba stared into his eyes, his breathing just as limited as Atem's. Warmth spread through his body almost to the point of discomfort. Atem's presence was so overwhelming that he wasn't sure how he was still standing straight.
Then the reality of Atem's words hit Heba like a punch to the stomach. "Y-you wanted this too? I thought I was the only one…" He trailed off, a smile coming to his face. He was so unbelievably happy that he leaned up to kiss Atem again, but was interrupted by the shouts of the palace guards.
"My Pharaoh! You are needed in the throne room!" Called a voice that got louder as the guard came closer. Heba pulled away from Atem quickly, not wanting to get caught draped in the Pharaoh's arms. That would probably not go over well for either of them.
Atem leaned down so his lips were next to Heba's ear, barely brushing the skin. "We will speak of this later, my Heba." A shudder passed through him with the way his name was spoken, caressed by the possessiveness of his Pharaoh. He licked his lips and smiled at the thought. Atem could finally be mine. After all this time…
Before Heba could think any more, the guard had found them and the panicked expression on his face had them instantly on alert.
"What is the problem?" Atem questioned as they followed the guard to the throne room. Dread bubbled in Heba's chest and he grabbed Atem's arm, giving the man a look when he tried to go ahead without him. "You are forgetting that I protect you, my Pharaoh." Heba murmured quietly. Atem looked conflicted before nodding and letting Heba go in front.
"That is the problem." They arrived at the entrance to the throne room where multiple bodies lay lifeless, eyes wide in horror and mouths open in silent screams. Corpses of servants were strewn around the room like rag dolls. Rage filled Heba and he glared at the guard.
"Why would you bring the Pharaoh here? If the monster that is responsible for this is still around, then he is in danger!" Heba snarled at the guard with an intensity that only showed itself when his charge was being threatened. The fact that there was a spark of something more between the two of them only increased Heba's rage and desire to protect.
The guard winced under the glare. There was a reason why Heba was Atem's personal bodyguard. Despite his size he was the strongest, the quickest, and the fiercest warrior when he was chosen for battle. Many had fallen because they underestimated him simply because of his size and childlike features.
"Because little one, I made him retrieve you." A wicked voice answered for the trembling guard. An inexplicable fear shot through Heba's body and he turned to face the speaker. A man now sat on the throne, staring straight at Heba with lavender eyes that shone with insanity. He flashed his abnormally sharp teeth in a crazed grin that made Heba's heart rate increase with fear. Why he was so terrified of this man, he had no idea. But he needed to get Atem out of here.
Atem's voice broke him out of his petrified state. "Who are you? I demand to know why you have done this!" His voice was laced with powerful authority that made Heba wince, yet the strange murderer looked amused.
The stranger waved his hand and suddenly the guard shut the doors behind them, trapping them inside with this crazed man. Heba dropped into a defensive stance, ready to defend his Pharaoh until his heart stopped beating. "Your Pharaoh asked you a question!" Heba tried to shout, but it came out at a high pitched squeak that revealed his fear. Oh Gods, what have we gotten ourselves into?
The man upon the throne chuckled and stood to his feet. "I am a thief, a stealer of souls." He licked his lips and for the first time Heba noticed that there was blood there. His eyes widened in horror and he took a step back, hand reaching out to grab Atem as if double checking he was still there. "Oh, did I have something on my face?" Another chuckle came from the thief, the sound sending more shivers down Heba's spine.
There was a gust of wind and suddenly Heba's nose was assaulted with the smell of blood and dirt. His mind registered a foreign presence within his space seconds too late. By the time he realized his tunic was being gripped by the man, he was already halfway across the room, his body flying through the air at a supernaturally fast pace.
His back slammed against the stone wall and his body fell to the floor. A cry of "Heba!" was heard but it was hard to acknowledge over the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. He tried to fight off the darkness creeping up in the corners of his vision. What kind of monster is he? Atem… Run! He wanted to call out to his friend, but his voice escaped him.
Heba vaguely registered feet walking towards him. "How pathetic. And this is supposed to be your personal guard. The servants put up more of a fight." He wanted to lash out, to spit out venom coated words, but he was too weak. All he wanted to do was sleep. Before he gave into the darkness he heard the sinister voice speak again.
"I wonder how he would react to see you dying in his arms?"
Then his world went black, and fire flooded his system.
Atem watched in horror as the man bit into an unconscious Heba's neck. A choked sob wracked his body as he sat there in shock, unable to do anything as he watched the blood be sucked from the one person whom he loved more than anyone in the world.
The man pulled away and turned to Atem, a smirk on his blood stained lips. "Oh do not give me that look, he is not dead. Just…" A pink tongue slicked over the man's lips as if savoring Heba's taste. "Resting. I need him for what I have planned for us." His words caused dread and nausea to build in Atem's stomach.
"Why are you doing this?" Atem's voice was quiet, almost pleading and definitely broken from seeing the love of his life being feasted upon like an animal. Atem didn't even question what kind of creature this man was, he didn't care. All he could focus on was Heba's still body and his mind screaming 'why him?' repeatedly.
A hand gripped his hair and he hissed out when he was lifted by his locks to meet the man's eyes. "'Why?' you ask? Let me tell you why," He hissed. "Because your father slaughtered my village before my very eyes. Families. Mothers and children. All for this!" He gripped the millennium puzzle that hung around Atem's neck, a prize gifted to him by his father.
Crimson eyes widened as the reality of this man's words hit Atem. "My father slaughtered a village for the creation of the millennium items?" He whispered in disbelief. For a moment he was drowning in his own incredulous thoughts, interrupted only by another jerk of his hair that made him cry out in pain.
"Do not play stupid. Even if you do not know, you still take part in it by wearing it around your neck." The man hissed and tossed Atem to the ground, the impact forcing a grunt from his lips. "My plan for vengeance is already in place. Your priests have fallen and soon I will kill everyone who resides in the palace. You however…" Atem looked up just in time to see the man give him a wicked smirk. "You will die by your lover's hand."
Atem didn't bother correcting the man by telling him that they technically weren't lovers yet. He was too confused as to what the man meant. "Heba would never-" He was cut off by a familiar groan and the sight of Heba pushing himself up on seemingly shaky arms. Atem heard his heavy gasping and watched the teen grab his throat as If he was choking. "F-fire…"
"Heba?" The name tentatively slipped from Atem's lips. The teen's eyes snapped over to his and Atem's heart skipped a beat in absolute terror. Heba's usually amethyst eyes were now dark, almost black and bottomless like an abyss. The teen's lips curled back into a snarl not unlike a rabid animal. "Heba what is wrong with you?"
A choked scream escaped Atem's lips as he was tackled back and sharp daggers pierce the flesh of his neck. Rosy pink lips caressed his skin like they had done not an hour before, but this time Atem felt his life being drained from his body. It was inexplicably horrifying. He needed to get out. He struggled under the supernatural strength of his best friend, trying to throw him off in a pathetic attempt to save himself.
The man stepped into Atem's vision, a sickening smirk on his lips. "Long Live the King."
And that was the last thing he saw before slipping into the dark abyss of eternal sleep.
Yeah, I'm ending it there because I love to watch the world burn.
